Hope springs eternal in sports and excitement is already building for UNLV's 2017-18 campaign, especially considering the ridiculous recruiting haul orchestrated by basketball coach Marvin Menzies. UNLV is taking advantage of the renewed interest by staging a free Fan Fest event from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Thursday at Town Square.

The gathering will feature giveaways, photo opportunities and a meet-and-greet with Rebels players and coaches.

Menzies, who jolted the UNLV basketball program back to relevance by securing one of the nation’s best recruiting classes, will host a Q&A session, while football coach Tony Sanchez, women’s basketball coach Kathy Olivier and the Rebel Girls will also be in attendance.

This is the first time UNLV has planned such an event in the summer, and the timing is perfect. After several years of missing the postseason, the incoming recruiting class has fans believing the Runnin’ Rebels will jump right back into the Mountain West race and contend for an NCAA tournament berth. To take advantage of that enthusiasm, season tickets will be on sale at Thursday’s event.

According to a university release, some UNLV players will be on hand to mingle with fans. If you’re a Rebels fan who wants to support the team and come away with some free swag, get there early — the first 250 fans will receive free T-shirts, and the first 100 fans will get Town Square gift cards.